BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — A growing wave of mining exploration applications across Nueva Vizcaya has alarmed lawmakers and residents, with warnings that forests, watersheds and ancestral domains are now directly in the path of potential development.  

During the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) budget briefing before the House Committee on Appropriations, Nueva Vizcaya Rep. Timothy Joseph Cayton flagged what he described as a troubling expansion of mining activity in the province.  

Among the cases cited was the exploration permit of Northern Luzon Mining Resources Corporation (NLMRC) in Kasibu, an area already marked by protests, barricades and legal cases.  

Cayton also raised reports linking mining applications to forest reserves, ancestral domains and watersheds — areas that fall under existing mining restrictions.  

He called for an immediate review of exploration activities in Dupax del Norte, including a permit currently under suspension. 

The congressman also urged the DENR to scrutinize pending applications in Santa Fe and Aritao before any new permits are issued.  

“Being active in Congress is not only about attending hearings. It is about asking questions, listening, and looking for concrete solutions for Novo Vizcayanos,” Cayton said.  

The congressman, also Assistant Majority Leader, pushed for a province-wide assessment of forest and public lands to identify areas that may be reclassified as alienable and disposable. 

He said any reclassification must be backed by a biophysical assessment and supported by proper legislation.  

The concerns come as upland communities report increasing tension. 

Local groups have staged protests and put up barricades, arguing that exploration threatens farms, water sources and indigenous territories.  

Nueva Vizcaya is classified as a headwater province. 

Its forests and watersheds provide irrigation and drinking water not only to local towns but also to downstream communities in Cagayan Valley and nearby provinces. 

Critics warn that any disturbance could have consequences beyond provincial borders.  

The DENR has yet to release a consolidated report on the total number of active exploration permits and applications in Nueva Vizcaya. 

But the issues raised in Congress indicate that multiple areas are now under review, from Kasibu in the north to Dupax del Norte, Santa Fe, Aritao and Bambang.  

Environmental and community leaders have called for stricter vetting of mining applications, particularly in forestlands and ancestral domains. 

They said the absence of clear mapping of critical areas increases the risk of conflict and irreversible environmental damage.  

Cayton said Congress must ensure that exploration does not proceed without safeguards and genuine community consultation.  

For residents, the budget hearing laid bare what they described as an alarming push for mining in a province where agriculture, forestry and water remain the foundation of daily life.

ARITAO— The call to establish a Provincial Indigenous Peoples Tribal Center in Nueva Vizcaya is being framed as a response to both cultural preservation and service delivery gaps in a province that is home to about 18 indigenous peoples groups.

Millennial Isinai leader Sherlock Jama Magaway, a member of the Isinai Council of Elders in Aritao and founder of Uwwa si Vizcaya (Brother/Sister of Vizcaya), described the proposed facility as a permanent second home for indigenous peoples.

“As a millennial elder, I believe I can be a bridge between our elders’ wisdom and the energy of our young people,” Magaway said. “The Tribal Center should not only protect our past. It must meet the needs of our people today — from health to livelihood — while uniting elders and youth in charting our future.”

He added: “We will continue to protect culture and tradition; we will fight for the rights of every indigenous Vizcayano.”

A province of many tribes

The need for a shared center is linked to the province’s demographic profile. Nueva Vizcaya sits at the convergence of the Cordillera, Caraballo and Sierra Madre ranges, and its upland and lowland towns host distinct tribal communities.

Major groups include the Ifugao in the towns of Quezon, Bagabag and Kasibu; Gaddang in Solano and Bayombong; Isinai in Dupax del Sur, Bambang and Aritao; Dumagat in the Aritao area; Kalanguya or Ikalahan in Santa Fe; and Bugkalot or Ilongot in Alfonso Castañeda and Dupax del Norte.

Other groups that form part of the 18 and are present across upland municipalities include Ibaloi, Kankana-ey, Iwak, Tuwali and Ayangan.

Of these, eight are recognized as ancestral domain holders: Isinai, Bugkalot, Gaddang, Iwak, Kalanguya, Dumagat, Ayangan and Ibaloi. Their presence spans from remote mountain barangays to more accessible towns, a dispersion that makes unified governance and regular assembly difficult without a dedicated venue.

At present, the most visible province-wide gathering of these groups occurs every last week of May during the Ammungan Festival, the annual gathering of tribes. Outside of that week-long event, tribal councils often meet in separate municipal halls, barangay centers or open grounds.

Three gaps the center seeks to address

Magaway said the Tribal Center is envisioned to address three interconnected needs.

First is cultural preservation and customary governance. The facility would provide space where tribal councils, rituals and community assemblies can convene regularly, where languages can be taught, and where traditions and customary laws can be documented and promoted beyond festival performances.

Second is community development. The center is proposed to serve as a hub for livelihood training, educational programs, and youth wellness activities, aimed at fostering continuity between elders and younger members who are increasingly exposed to lowland employment and digital culture.

Third is access to basic services. Magaway said the plan includes integrating basic medical services so that indigenous families, especially those from remote and underserved areas, can have easier access to primary care and essential health support without traveling to distant town centers.

Uwwa si Vizcaya, which translates to “Kapatid ng Vizcaya” and anchors Magaway’s advocacy in Isinai heritage, promotes inclusive progress, indigenous rights, livelihood empowerment and community service.

Proponents argue that with 18 groups spread across 15 municipalities, a single, permanent facility would not only preserve ancestral heritage but also expand practical access to health, education and livelihood opportunities, providing a year-round counterpart to the symbolic unity shown during Ammungan. WITH REPORTS FROM LEANDER C. DOMINGO AND RACHEL MAGDAY

BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO

KALINGA—Calcius Resources Ltd. is mounting further legal action to prevent the planned Sept. 8 auction of its 40-percent interest in Makilala Mining Company Inc. (MMCI), as its dispute with Equinaire Holdings Ltd. over a loan and security agreement moves toward arbitration.

RTC denies plea but leaves core issues open

Celsius said it will file a Motion for Reconsideration after the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) denied its petition seeking interim protection against foreclosure of the Omnibus Loan and Security Agreement (OLSA) and disposition of its MMCI interest.

The denial, however, did not rule that a default had occurred or that Equinaire is legally entitled to foreclose on Celsius’ stake, the company said. The court said the substantive issues remain disputed and should be resolved through arbitration.

Dispute rooted in loan assignment

The dispute stemmed from the purported assignment of the OLSA from Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC) to Equinaire, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kiri Industries Ltd.

Equinaire subsequently issued notices asserting events of default and seeking enforcement of security over the 40-percent interest in MMCI held by Celsius subsidiary Makilala Holding Ltd. (MHL).

Equinaire cited several alleged defaults, including the Notice of Relinquishment issued by MHL to Sodor Inc., certain information-security incidents involving MMCI, and MHL’s move to obtain a Temporary Order of Protection from the Makati court.

Celsius rejected the allegations, maintaining that no Event of Default occurred or is continuing under the OLSA. It also disputed Equinaire’s capacity to initiate foreclosure proceedings and sell MHL’s interest in MMCI, arguing that the alleged defaults do not satisfy contractual conditions required before enforcement rights can be exercised.

Counterbond lifts protection, auction set

The legal dispute intensified after a Temporary Order of Protection previously granted by the Makati court was lifted following Equinaire’s payment of a P201-million counterbond.

Equinaire then issued a Notice of Resumption of Foreclosure and a Notice of Disposition declaring its intention to proceed with a public auction of MHL’s 40-percent interest in MMCI on Sept. 8, 2026.

MHL petitioned the court for interim measures of protection seeking to prevent foreclosure or disposition of its MMCI interest until the conclusion of arbitration. The court denied the petition, finding that MHL failed to sufficiently establish irreparable injury because the potential loss from foreclosure was primarily economic and could be addressed through arbitration.

The court expressly stated that its ruling was not a determination that an Event of Default occurred, that any alleged default was incurable, or that Equinaire is entitled to foreclose. It also recognized that the interpretation of the OLSA, the alleged defaults and Equinaire’s enforcement rights remain open for determination by an arbitral tribunal.

Legal remedies pursued

Celsius said it intends to file its Motion for Reconsideration by the end of this week. If the motion is denied, MHL intends to appeal to the Court of Appeals.

At the same time, Celsius is revising its Notice of Arbitration to commence proceedings where the merits of the dispute — including the validity of the alleged defaults and Equinaire’s enforcement rights — can be fully determined.

Tax clearance seen as post-auction hurdle

The company also pointed to a potentially significant procedural hurdle facing any immediate transfer of the MMCI shares following an auction.

Celsius said any successful buyer would need to obtain a Certificate Authorizing Registration (CAR), or tax clearance, from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) before the transfer could be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

According to Celsius, the BIR tax-clearance process typically takes at least 27 working days, or about six to eight weeks.

The company said this could provide additional time for it to pursue court remedies, including reconsideration and a possible appeal, as well as seek interim relief through arbitration.

Focus on MCB project

For the Philippine mining sector, the dispute places renewed attention on the ownership and financing arrangements surrounding MMCI, which holds interests associated with the Maalinao-Caigutan-Biyog (MCB) Copper-Gold Project in Kalinga.

Celsius maintains that the substantive dispute remains unresolved and that the ultimate validity of any foreclosure is a matter for arbitration.

​MANILA, Philippines — Environmental protection can no longer be treated separately from national defense and regional stability. In a key address, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) outlined a policy framework that frames climate resilience as a core pillar of national security and regional peace.

​Speaking to government officials, environmental policy experts, and international partners, the DENR highlighted that climate change acts as a “threat multiplier”—amplifying existing socio-economic vulnerabilities, resource scarcity, and institutional weaknesses.

​Key Highlights & Policy Takeaways:

​Beyond Disaster Response: Climate action must move past reactive disaster relief. National security depends on secure baseline conditions: reliable food, sufficient water, resilient infrastructure, and functioning ecosystems.

​Natural Capital as Infrastructure: Natural systems (forests, coasts, and watersheds) and engineered infrastructure must be treated as mutually reinforcing assets. In resource-constrained environments, investing in nature offers a cost-effective strategy for disaster prevention.

​Accountable Critical Minerals Sector: As global energy transitions drive demand for critical minerals, the Philippines emphasizes responsible mineral development governed by strict environmental safeguards, transparency, and community-driven benefit-sharing.

​Elevation to ASEAN Security Architecture: Coinciding with the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship, the DENR urged member states to integrate climate resilience directly into ASEAN’s regional political and security framework.

​Inclusive Governance & Indigenous Knowledge: Effective climate governance requires embedding sound science, local community insights, and traditional indigenous knowledge into land-use, urban planning, and infrastructure development decisions.

​International Partnerships: The speech acknowledged long-standing bilateral cooperation—notably with partners like Germany—in driving climate finance, technology transfer, and joint environmental protection efforts across the region.

​”Environmental resilience and lasting peace share the same principle: we must act before vulnerability becomes crisis,” the speech concluded, calling for unified action across government, the private sector, civil society, and international allies.

BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya—OceanaGold (Philippines), Inc. (OGP) has allocated P768.43 million for the Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Plan (FMRDP) of its Didipio Mine in Nueva Vizcaya, with P551.4 million already deposited in a trust fund as of 2026.

The listed company said the fund will continue to increase in line with the required annual provisioning schedule as it carries out rehabilitation work while the mine remains in operation.

“Responsible mining means planning for rehabilitation throughout the life of the mine and closure long before operations eventually conclude,” said lawyer Joan D. Adaci-Cattiling, President and General Manager for External Affairs and Social Performance.

Adaci-Cattiling added that “by progressively rehabilitating our operating areas and steadily building the rehabilitation fund while operations continue, we are ensuring the resources, systems and plans are in place to support a safe, responsible and sustainable transition beyond mining.”

Progressive rehabilitation during operations

The Didipio Mine operates within a 975-hectare approved mining permit area. Its actual operating footprint is about 340 hectares.

Of that area, 100 hectares are designated for progressive rehabilitation during the mine’s operating life. Company data show more than 55 hectares had been rehabilitated as of end-2025. The remaining areas will be rehabilitated in phases over the coming years.

At the end of operations, approximately 221 hectares are projected for final rehabilitation. Another 58 hectares, including the open pit and selected mine camp facilities, are being considered for potential post-mining community uses instead of conventional revegetation.

Based on consultations with host communities, proposed post-mining land uses include agriculture, forestry, a freshwater lake, and an enterprise tourism development area. The company said these proposals remain subject to technical assessment to determine safety, suitability and sustainability for specific areas of the mine site.

The approach reflects a shift in industry practice where rehabilitation and closure planning are integrated years before a mine ceases operations, rather than treated only as an end-of-life activity.

FMRDP updated every two years

The FMRDP serves as the blueprint for closure activities and financial provisioning. Under government requirements, the FMRDP is reviewed and updated every two years to account for rehabilitation progress, changes to the mine plan, new technical data, stakeholder input, and regulatory requirements.

The next review is scheduled for the third quarter of 2026. The company said the plan will continue to be refined as closure designs are further developed and post-mining land-use studies become more detailed.

“We have been part of the Didipio community for 20 years, building enduring partnerships founded on mutual respect and shared progress,” Adaci-Cattiling said. “As our operations continue in the years to come, we are already investing in rehabilitation and closure planning to help ensure positive and sustainable outcomes for the environment and our host communities well into the future.”

About the operation

OGP operates the Didipio gold-copper mine in Luzon under a Financial or Technical Assistance Agreement or FTAA. The company, with stock symbol “OGP,” is listed on the main board of the Philippine Stock Exchange.

According to the company, its commitment includes safely and responsibly maximizing free cash flow from the operation while delivering returns to shareholders and meeting environmental and social obligations tied to mining.

BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO

QUEZON, Nueva Vizcaya — Six scholars supported by FCF Minerals Corporation here have completed their college degrees, with the company citing their achievement as a milestone for its education and community development programs.

The graduates include one scholar under the company’s Direct Mining and Technical Group (DMTG), scholarship program and five scholars from Barangay Runruno under the Social Development and Management Program, or SDMP.

Jay Bennett Pedro of Adamson University earned a Bachelor of Science in Geology. She received her diploma on July 9, 2026 during commencement exercises held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, Manila.

Also graduating were five SDMP scholars from Nueva Vizcaya State University, Bayombong Campus: Sydney Guillaao with a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness, graduating Cum Laude; Francis Banih, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology; Yvone Mae Escaño, Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management; Jessa Mae Nginhayan, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; and Sebrelyn Omas, Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education.

Company presence at graduation

Members of the DMTG Program Management Committee witnessed the graduation ceremonies. Also present were FCF Community Relations Office Manager Agnes Rosales and DMTG Scholarship Coordinator Benilyn Calilit.

In a statement, FCF Minerals Corporation recognized the graduates for their hard work and perseverance. Lorne Harvey, FCF General Manager for Operations, said  “their accomplishments bring pride to the FCF Minerals Corporation family and serve as inspiration to other students in host and neighboring communities.”

Scholarship programs

The DMTG scholarship supports students pursuing degrees related to mining, geology, and other technical fields. The SDMP scholarship is part of FCF’s commitments to Barangay Runruno, where the company operates the Runruno gold-molybdenum project.

Under SDMP, FCF provides educational assistance to qualified residents of host communities as part of its social development initiatives. The program covers tuition and other school expenses to help students complete tertiary education.

Harvey said the scholarships aim to develop local human resources and provide graduates with opportunities to contribute to their communities and chosen professions.

FCF Minerals Corporation expressed optimism that the new graduates will pursue careers that will benefit both the industry and their hometowns.

“Your hard work, perseverance, and dedication have brought pride and inspiration to the entire FCF Minerals Corporation family. We are proud of your achievements and excited to see the bright future ahead of you,” Harvey said.

QUEZON, Nueva Vizcaya—FCF Minerals Corporation could after all continue its operation after its expected closure in 2027 with the identification of an exploration target near its Runruno Mine here.

According to the London-based Metals Exploration (MTL), a mineral resources exploration and development company that owns 100 percent of the FCF Minerals-operated Runruno Gold Project, the exploration target is located in the municipality of Dupax del Norte in this province.

“The exploration target could potentially extend ore processing operations at Runruno after ore feed from the Runruno Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) tenement is exhausted,” MTL said.

It added that the potential ore feed from Dupax del Norte could utilize the existing Runruno process plant infrastructure and be re-purposed to accommodate a different type of ore feed and that any ore from Dupax would likely be processed into a saleable mixed metal concentrate.  

Darren Bowden, MTL chief executive officer, said the Dupax del Norte prospect “provides an exciting opportunity to explore a potential extension of ore processing at Runruno.”

“It is a VMS target with rock samples indicating very high grades of up to 15.47 grams per ton gold and 7 percent copper, with minimal drilling expected to bring it into a resource-ready basis for operation,” Bowden said.

A VMS target in mining is a volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit which is a valuable source of metals like copper, zinc, lead, silver and gold. 

Bowden also explained that following a recent review of the prospect, which included taking fresh rock samples, they are optimistic about the potential that it presents.

He said there is an old mined area on the tenement that allows them to assess the scale of the previous operation and to advance their understanding of the target’s potential.

“We are currently finalizing environmental and forestry approvals and aim to commence exploration as soon as possible. It is too early to say how long it could extend ore processing operations at the Runruno process plant, but I am confident that it has the potential to provide an extension, even if it is only for a few years,” Bowden said.

According to MTL, the Dupax del Norte tenement has been applied for by Woggle Corporation, which is 40 percent owned by the company and its subsidiaries, with 60 percent being owned by the staff pension plan of its   FCF Minerals Corp. subsidiary. 

In addition to FCF Minerals Corp. or the Runruno Mine, MTL completed in August 2024 the acquisition of the Yamang Mineral Corp. or YMC which holds an extensive exploration tenement in the prospective Abra area covering 16,200 hectares.

Under Philippine mining law, exploration tenements can only be a maximum of 40 percent foreign-owned. However, the processing of ore from any mining operation can be 100 percent foreign-owned. 

MTL said the company will optimize the ownership structure relating to the Dupax del Norte project should the exploration program be successful and if the tenement is converted to a mining lease. 

The company said it had previously relinquished an interest in the Dupax del Norte tenement, which it re-applied for in 2023. 

The project area is covered by an Exploration Permit Application ExPA 000168 RII whose tenement covers an area of 3,101.11 hectares.

It is approximately 20 kilometers directly southwest of the company’s existing Runruno Mine site and five kilometers from Dupax del Norte Municipal Hall.

OCEANGOLD Philippines (OPG) recently turned over three more farm-to-market (FMR) projects worth P9 million to villagers in Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino provinces in simple ceremonies.

“For hundreds of villagers in these two provinces, a simple road means more than just a path. It is a bridge to opportunity, security and progress,” said Joan Adaci-Cattiling, OGP president and general manager for external affairs and social performance.

With these newly completed FMR projects, Adaci-Cattiling said around 500 residents are now able to travel more safely and conveniently to schools, farms and nearby towns.

These new FMRs included those constructed at Barangay Villa Aurora, Diadi in Nueva Vizcaya, a 223.5-meter road reinforced with three cross drainages and a sturdy retaining wall; Barangay Ricarte Sur, Diffun in Quirino, a 246-meter road with a cross drainage unit, a retaining wall, and a drainage canal for better water flow; and Barangay Pinaripad Norte, Aglipay, also in Quirino, a 247.5-meter road strengthened with a pipe culvert and slope protection.

Adaci-Cattiling noted that for many years, villagers traveled through rough and muddy trails, making it difficult for farmers to bring their produce to the market and for children to go to school.

“Now, with these newly built roads, funded through OGP’s Community Development Fund (CDF) everyday life becomes a little easier, and possibilities grow a little bigger,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Diffun and Aglipay roads in Quirino province were officially turned over in January, while the Diadi project in Nueva Vizcaya was completed in December 2024.

As these roads open new doors for the communities, they stand as a testament, Adaci-Catting added.

BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO

KASIBU, Nueva Vizcaya: The Didipio Mine here is helping coffee farmers boost the industry by extending financial assistance and capacitating particularly the farmer-members of a coffee growers cooperative here.

Didipio Mine president and general manager for external affairs and social performance Joan Adaci-Cattiling said the mine partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry to provide training to coffee growers.

She said the recent capacity-building activity for members of the Kasibu Coffee Growers Association, Inc. (KCGAI) was mainly on coffee post-harvest operations.

Under the 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 project, Cattiling added that Didipio Mine and KCGAI have realier forged an agreement for a P2.5 million pesos financial assistance.

“This project is under the Didipio Mine’s corporate social responsibility or CSR program aimed at contributing to the association’s community, financial and organizational sustainability,” she said.

Cattiling said the project intends to assist coffee farmers in monitoring and managing their crops as well as provide them with technical assistance.

“It will also cover the establishment and maintenance of a nursery, building the capacity of the association’s farmer-members, and regular monitoring of the coffee farms,” she said.

According to Cattiling, the acquisition of needed machinery, tools, and equipment; the augmentation of fertilizer needs of farmers; and the provision of coffee trees and other tropical trees are also covered by the agreement.

The DTI Region 2 led by Regional Director Ma. Sofia Narag and DTI Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Director Michael Paggabao, paid a courtesy visit to Cuaresma on November 24, 2024 on the sidelines of the North Luzon Growth Quadrangle Meeting in the House of Representatives, to discuss areas for collaboration.

Paggabao said the meeting served as a platform to reaffirm DTI’s commitment to collaborating closely with the congresswoman’s office in advancing initiatives that empower micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), enhance local industries and support the overall economic progress of Nueva Vizcaya.

“We are delighted to solidify our partnership with Congresswoman Cuaresma in achieving shared goals for the province. Her support will truly help us achieve our unified vision to bring impactful programs and services to the people of Nueva Vizcaya,” Paggabao said.

Narag and Paggabao were accompanied by the other leaders of DTI Region 2 namely Provincial Director (PD) Mary Ann Dy, acting PD Lourdito Antonio, acting PD Cyrus Restauro, Division chief Tessie Isidra Guitering, and chief of staff Elena Marie Ferrer. DTI NUEVA VIZCAYA